Ajax has always been the primary focus for Mayor Steve Parish. It’s why he decided not to run for the Regional chairman position this fall.

Environment-first policies and sustainability have been the keys to his approach. That’s why he and the Town have been fighting so hard to have the issue of algae along the Town’s waterfront addressed.

He’s taken a long-view on redevelopment of the downtown area of Ajax. It’s an issue he’s been working on since being elected in 1992.

His efforts at the Region to have the size of the council reduced haven’t gotten much traction. Getting the issue in front of the public is probably the only way to get the issue moving. Three communities -- Ajax, Pickering and Whitby -- will have a question on the ballot in October asking residents what they think of a smaller Regional council. From there, Mayor Parish will push the issue in the next Regional council.

Pat Brown

Ward 4 councillor

This year’s grade: B+

Last year’s grade: B+

Attendance: Council 17/19 Committee 8/9

Expenses: Local $13,138.02

As the longest-serving member of council, Councillor Pat Brown brings a wealth of experience to the table. Constituency work remains her strength, and she often raises strong points about issues that matter to her residents.

Given her experience, she’s pretty much seen it all. She was stunned at the lack of information that accompanied the casino proposal for Pickering, a project she opposes.

Coun. Brown has worked hard on bread-and-butter issues, such as traffic, specifically speeding, keeping an eye on the bottom line and protecting the Town’s environment.

Colleen Jordan

Regional Wards 3 and 4 councillor

This year’s grade: B+

Last year’s grade: B+

Attendance: Council 17/19 Committee 9/9

Regional Council 11/13, Committee 32/35

Expenses: Local $11,667.85

Regional $3,298.03

Social and health issues seems to be where Coun. Colleen Jordan’s passion lies, such as rising obesity levels, childhood asthma and poverty.

Her forte is researching and preparing prior to discussing a topic, particularly at the Regional level.

Over the past year, Coun. Jordan has been very involved in the Ajax Bomb Girls Legacy campaign.

Joanne Dies

Ward 3 councillor

This year’s grade: A-

Last year’s grade: B+

Attendance: Council 19/19 Committee 8/9

Expenses: Local $10,249.81

Coun. Joanne Dies’s mark is up this year due to all of the work she has been doing related to the algae problem along the Town’s waterfront. She’s worked with the Pickering Ajax Citizens Together to Protect Our Waterfront, pushing the issue during the provincial election, including having brief meetings with party leaders.

Culture and arts are also dear to her.

She’s quite vocal during meetings, both questioning issues and stating her opinion.

Renrick Ashby

Ward 2 councillor

This year’s grade: B

Last year’s grade: B-

Attendance: Council 18/19 Committee 8/9

Expenses: Local $13,223.20

Coun. Renrick Ashby is a planner for Toronto, so he knows how municipal government works and that’s a bonus that serves him well at the council table. He’s known for his constituency work, holding regular public meetings with residents. It’s what a councillor should do.

His mark is up this year as he’s been more involved in discussions, especially around development proposals.

Shaun Collier

Regional Wards 1 and 2 councillor

This year’s grade: B+

Last year’s grade: B+

Attendance: Council 17/19 Committee 8/9

Regional Council 11/13, Committee 34/38

Expenses: Local $9,340.50

Regional $463.80

The bottom line has always been where Coun. Shaun Collier keeps his eye. He’ll question spending decisions, especially those that deal with spending on public art.

He’s involved in meetings, raising interesting points.

During Regional council meetings, he tends to be quiet, making his noise instead during finance committee meetings, where the issues usually get more debate.

Marilyn Crawford

Ward 1 councillor

This year’s grade: B+

Last year’s grade: B+

Attendance: Council 19/19 Committee 9/9

Expenses: Local $9,293.37

Coun. Marilyn Crawford regularly holds community meetings to gather resident input and to convey information about Town initiatives. It’s something every councillor should do.

Her attitude is ‘What are we waiting for? Let’s get going.’ Better that than a combative tone.

She remains positive, which is tough sitting around a council chamber.